NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | December 2, 2025

  NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review The NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review series is offered prior to each exam (Spring, Summer, Fall). The Spring 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series registration will open December 5, 2025.  Registration for the series is $260 per participant. For more information and to register for the…

Are You Ready for the Central Registry HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide?

By Ashley Knealing | November 24, 2025

Prior to official publication of the Central Cancer Registry Reporting HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide, the cancer registry community will have a chance to weigh in during a public comment period. Are YOU ready?  Join NAACCR on December 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET for an informational webinar on the Central Cancer Registry Reporting (CCRR) HL7…

Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL): Coming Soon to the Virtual Pooled Registry

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | November 10, 2025

The current Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) workflow requires registries to download an encrypted study data file and perform a clear-text linkage using Personally Identifiable Information (PII). To broaden the scope, and enhance the security of the VPR, NCI has encouraged a transition to Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL). What is PPRL? PPRL is a technique…

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to present Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I—the first comprehensive regional report compiling population-based cancer incidence data from across the Caribbean. This landmark publication represents a major step forward in strengthening cancer surveillance and advancing evidence-based decision-making in the region. Developed through CARPHA’s IARC Caribbean Cancer…

Launch of Automated Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) Methodology for VPR Studies

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | May 18, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the first Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) was initiated between the U.S. Radiologic Technologist Study (USRT) and the 47 VPR registries. For some registries, this linkage was performed automatically by IMS, thereby minimizing the impact on registry resources. The remaining registries performed the PPRL linkage internally. Additional…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | May 4, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review Registration is open for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series. The series begins May 12, 2026. If you or someone you know is eligible to sit for the exam and are looking to prepare, join us for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series.…

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OUR MISSION

Actionable content that unites cancer registries.

The Narrative strives to provide you with information you can use to enhance and strengthen your cancer registry. Look to the Narrative for the latest cancer surveillance news, trends, advances in technology, and latest educational opportunities.

OUR VISION

Make every cancer count.

Cancer affects thousands of people across North America every year. Each cancer case must contribute to our knowledge and understanding so that we may reduce the burden of these diseases. Narrative provides a platform for the cancer surveillance community to collaborate and share data that will improve health outcomes.

CANCER REGISTRY SPOTLIGHT: MICHIGAN

Successful Linkage Between Registry Database and LexisNexis

In our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and accessibility of data, we are thrilled to announce the successful linkage between our registry database and LexisNexis. This integration represents a significant step forward in streamlining our data processes and expanding our analytical capabilities.